The murder of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa in Sokoto State, is more than a tragic incident; it is a profound indictment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the All-Progressives Congress (APC). The abduction and execution of this prominent traditional leader, captured in a distressing video now circulating globally, have laid bare the catastrophic failures of the current government’s security apparatus. This scandal not only undermines the APC’s credibility but also has severe political and security implications that could critically impact Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027.
The brutal murder of Sarkin Gobir highlights the catastrophic failure within Nigeria’s security architecture under Tinubu’s leadership. Despite the prominence of Bawa and the substantial ransom demanded by his kidnappers, the government’s intelligence and security services were woefully inadequate. The inability to locate Bawa or to disrupt the bandit network reflects a systemic collapse in the administration’s capacity to handle national security effectively.
The distressing video of Bawa pleading for his life, which received no timely intervention from the authorities, underscores a deep-seated incompetence. It is especially damning when one considers Nigeria’s extensive military hierarchy, which includes numerous high-ranking generals. The global ridicule of Nigeria’s security apparatus is palpable: in a country with such a substantial military and intelligence framework, it is a national embarrassment that a bandit leader like Bello Turji can make public threat of revenge against the group that carried out the nefarious act. This is a glaring reflection of the inefficacy and strategic failure within Nigeria’s security forces.
The potential complicity of APC politicians in Sokoto State is another troubling dimension of this crisis. One of Bawa’s sons, who was released the bandits after killing his father, said that a senior member of the APC and Sokoto State House of Assembly is behind the abduction and killing of his father. The apparent reluctance of some local politicians to address the escalating banditry problem suggests that political motives might be at play. There is a troubling perception that some local power brokers may be involved in, or at least turning a blind eye to, these criminal activities to advance their own political agendas.
The Tinubu administration’s failure to confront these issues transparently and decisively fuels suspicions of political manipulation. The lack of decisive action against both the bandits and potentially complicit local politicians undermines public trust in the government’s commitment to ensuring security and justice. This inaction not only exacerbates the crisis but also erodes faith in the administration’s ability to govern effectively.
Under Tinubu’s government, there is a discernible trend of prioritizing regime protection over the genuine safety of ordinary Nigerians. The administration has shown a remarkable ability to respond to politically sensitive matters, such as the investigation into the Russian flag saga. However, this capability is glaringly absent when it comes to addressing the rampant insecurity affecting the populace.
This selective focus on regime protection rather than addressing pressing security issues reflects poorly on the APC’s governance. It suggests that the security forces are more concerned with shielding the administration from threats to their power than with tackling the real threats faced by ordinary Nigerians. This disparity in focus not only undermines public confidence but also highlights a fundamental failure in the administration’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Because of government’s failures and the ineffectiveness of the security forces to tackle these insecurities, there have been growing calls for civilians to arm themselves. This push for civilian armament highlights a significant erosion of trust in the government’s ability to ensure safety and underscores the desperation of citizens who feel abandoned by the state.
While the demand for self-defense is understandable given the government’s inadequacies, the widespread arming of civilians carries significant risks. It could lead to increased violence, vigilantism, and further destabilization of an already fragile security situation. The government’s failure to address these security concerns effectively has driven citizens to seek their own means of protection which can further complicate the security landscape and potentially lead to further violence.
The killing of Bawa has planted a dangerous seed that could lead to a broader ethnic conflict, akin to a powder keg waiting to explode. The administration’s inability to manage these tensions effectively could result in a catastrophic escalation of ethnic divisions in northwest, with profound implications for national stability and unity. Tinubu’s government may not fully grasp the gravity of this situation, or it is trying to exploit the situation. But this is a logical prelude to schisms with potential disastrous consequences for the country’s social fabric in generaal.
The fallout from Sarkin Gobir’s murder, combined with the APC’s controversial economic policies, presents a severe threat to Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027. The Northwest region, which was pivotal in securing Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 elections, is now experiencing significant disillusionment with the current administration. The ongoing insecurity, highlighted by not only Bawa’s murder but of thousands of innocent souls in the region, coupled with the economic hardships imposed by the APC’s policies, has severely undermined the government’s support base in this key region.
The President’s failure to address both security and economic issues effectively has alienated people in the Northwest and will surely jeopardize Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term. The erosion of support in this critical region underscores the administration’s failure to maintain its electoral coalition and address the pressing concerns of its key voter base. As public discontent grows, the APC faces an increasingly difficult path to re-election, with the potential for significant electoral losses.
The political fallout from these failures could be far-reaching, influencing not only Tinubu’s re-election bid but also the APC’s overall standing in Nigerian politics. The administration’s inability to address fundamental issues of security and economic stability is already leading to broader political realignments in the country, with opposition parties potentially capitalizing on the APC’s weaknesses.
The murder of Sarkin Gobir serves as a powerful and damning indictment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC government. The failures in intelligence, potential political complicity, regime-centric security focus, and the calls for civilians to arm themselves all point to an administration that has woefully neglected its fundamental responsibilities. The global ridicule of Nigeria’s security architecture, combined with the political fallout in the Northwest and the potential for exacerbated ethnic conflict, presents a grave challenge to Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
As Nigeria confronts these pressing issues, it is crucial for the APC to address these concerns with the seriousness and urgency they demand, or risk further destabilizing the nation and undermining its political future.
